BKV

Gnosall - Best Kept Village 2018 winners

Gnosall was announced Best Kept Large village in the Stafford area at this year’s awards ceremony held on 6th August. Well done to all members of the BKV team, your efforts are very much appreciated. Forty villages entered the competition this year. In the first round, judges looked at all villages twice, once in May and once in June. Up to three villages from each of the categories (large and small villages) with the highest percentage marks in each of the four areas went through to the area final round and from that a winner was chosen and this year, for the third year running Gnosall scooped first place with Penkhull coming in second.

BKV truly is a village-wide community action group, under the dedicated and inspirational leadership of Dave Clarke The group of dedicated volunteers is small for the size of the parish, but manages to achieve amazing results. It is entirely volunteer-led and right at the front is Dave (usually on his bike) looking to see that all is well, things are tidy, plans are progressing and so on.

The BKV group is partly funded through the Parish Council but also raises a lot of money for BKV from local individuals and businesses. They produce superb calendars (displaying scenes of our lovely village) which are the end-product of a photographic competition. Over 500 are sold annually. Local businesses support the group by means of donations, sponsoring specific projects and sponsoring hanging baskets around the village. BKV also produce helpful Walking Booklets for local enthusiasts and these are very popular, providing yet another funding stream.

The group tries to be original and to produce something new each year. Last year saw the unveiling of our beautiful Village Sign, which was built by local craftsmen with sponsorship. This year saw the creation of a Wildflower Meadow on the village green and a book swap shop on Audmore Road. The more they do, the more there is to maintain in subsequent years but it doesn't deter them. The group engenders a tremendous community spirit, with something for all ages.

The Children's Poster competition attracts over 200 entries, with almost every child in the village taking part. Litter pickers are out on patrol 365 days of the year, not just during the judging period. The Sewing Group makes and displays the colourful bunting around the village. Flower beds are created and maintained all around.

BKV certainly brings our village together and makes it a much better place to live. In Gnosall, BKV is not just about the way the village looks; it's about the way the village community feels about itself and the first place prize is very much deserved.